a - wish foundation of alaska & washington

What a - wish foundation of alaska & washington does

Make-A-Wish Foundation of Alaska & Washington is a regional chapter of Make-A-Wish Foundation of America, an Arizona-incorporated 501(c)(3) nonprofit organization (EIN 86-0481941) founded in 1980. The chapter operates from Seattle and Anchorage, serving children ages 2½ to 17 with critical illnesses in Alaska and Washington through a federated structure that includes 57 chapters nationwide and nearly 20,000 volunteers. The core "product" is the Wish Granting Program, which fully covers all wish expenses including travel for eligible children referred by medical professionals, parents, or guardians; Walt Disney Company is involved in approximately 50% of wishes and 77% of wishes include travel.

The organization runs a diversified fundraising operation across seven documented revenue streams: individual contributions (one-time, monthly, workplace, tribute), corporate partnerships (Chase, Fanatics, Disney, ESPN, Royal Caribbean, Allegiant, Avis, Dave & Buster's, Topgolf, IT'SUGAR, BuzzRx, Breyer, Blackhawk, and others), foundation grants, planned gifts and endowments (Wishes Forever, Wish Society), chapter fees to the national organization, special events (Walk for Wishes, Wishmakers On Campus, Wishmakers at Work), and in-kind donations including airline miles (Southwest, United) and hotel points. Donations range from $5 minimum online up to $500+ tiers and $15–$20 tribute cards; no family is charged.

Technology is not the central capability but is used operationally: the Make-A-Wish Fundraising mobile app integrates with Apple Health, Android Health Connect, Garmin, Strava, and Fitbit to credit activity rewards; Salesforce handles wish referral intake; Blackbaud Merchant Services processes payments; Google Analytics supports web measurement; and the organization holds 22+ registered trademarks covering programs such as Walk for Wishes, Wishmakers On Campus, World Wish Day, and Wishes Forever. Audited by CLA since fiscal year 2014 and BBB Wise Giving Alliance accredited, the organization reports 99% of doctors say wishes relieve family traumatic stress and 87% of alumni report their wish was a turning point in treatment.

Name

a - wish foundation of alaska & washington

Legal name

Make-A-Wish Foundation of America

Website

https://wish.org

Company type

Private

Founded year

1980

Operating status

Operating

Short description

Make-A-Wish Alaska & Washington is a regional chapter of the national Make-A-Wish Foundation that grants free wishes to children ages 2½ to 17 with critical illnesses in Alaska and Washington state. It operates within a 57-chapter federated structure supported by corporate partners, individual donors, and volunteers.

Ownership category

akta.pro rank

Product category

Charitable Wish Granting

NAICS

Child and Youth Services (62411), Voluntary Health Organizations (813212), Grantmaking Foundations (813211)

SIC

Services-Social Services (8300)

akta.pro primary industry

Health & Medical Research Grantmaking Foundations (BPAGAKAL)

Keywords

• Wish granting services
• Children's charity
• Nonprofit fundraising
• Corporate partnerships
• Donor engagement

Headquarters

HQ city

Seattle

HQ country

United States

HQ region

North America

Offices3 records

Markets served

GTM type

B2C

Offering type

Services

Cost components

Personnel, Operations, Marketing or Sales, Technology or R&D, Others

Revenue model

1. Individual Contributions: Individual donors contribute through online donations, mail-in gifts, monthly giving programs, workplace giving, and tribute campaigns (weddings, birthdays, memorials).
2. Corporate Partnerships: Corporate sponsors provide financial donations, in-kind contributions, point donations (airline miles, hotel points), and promotional partnerships. Major partners include Chase, Fanatics, Disney, and ESPN.
3. Foundation Grants: Private foundations provide grant funding to support wish-granting operations.
4. Planned Gifts and Endowments: Bequests, charitable remainder trusts, and other planned giving instruments provide long-term funding.
5. Chapter Fees and Assessments: Local chapters contribute fees to the national organization for shared services and brand licensing.
6. Special Events: Events such as Walk for Wishes, galas, and corporate-sponsored fundraisers generate revenue through participant fundraising and sponsorships.
7. In-Kind Donations: Donations of products, services, airline miles, and hotel points reduce operational costs and enable wish experiences.

Pricing tiers

Go-to-market motion2 records

Distribution channels4 records

Marketing channels8 records

Core offering

Make-A-Wish Foundation of Alaska & Washington grants wishes to children ages 2½ to 17 with critical illnesses (progressive, degenerative, or malignant conditions). The organization fully covers all wish expenses including travel and spending money. It coordinates referrals from medical professionals and families, matches wishes with corporate partners (Disney, ESPN, airlines, hotels), and supports wish fulfillment through a national network of 57 chapters.

Product overview

Make-A-Wish is a nonprofit wish-granting organization operating as a federated structure with a national office and 57 local chapters. The core product is the Wish Granting Program, which grants wishes to children aged 2½ to 18 with critical illnesses. Supporting products include: the Walk for Wishes nationwide fundraising events; the Make-A-Wish Fundraising Mobile App (iOS/Android) integrating with health platforms; the Online Donations Platform processing one-time and monthly gifts; and various fundraising programs including Wishmakers On Campus, Kids For Wish Kids, and Wishmakers at Work. Additional revenue streams include Holiday Cards, eBay Auctions, Car Donations (via ARS, Wheels for Wishes, CARS partnerships), and Airline/Hotel Points donations. The Starblazer Awards recognize outstanding wish alumni. Together, these products enable the organization to grant over 15,800 wishes annually across the U.S.

Differentiator

Problem solved

Functional benefit

Brands

• Walk for Wishes: A nationwide Make-A-Wish fundraiser that celebrates wishes granted while raising funds for future wishes.
• Wishmakers On Campus
• Kids For Wish Kids
• Starblazer Awards

Products and services

• Wish Granting Program Core wish-granting service for children ages 2½ to under 18 with critical illnesses. Children are referred by medical professionals, parents, or guardians and receive fully-covered wish experiences such as travel, meeting celebrities, becoming a professional for a day, or receiving special items.
• Walk for Wishes A nationwide fundraising walk event for families and supporters. Participants register and fundraise to support wish-granting operations, with events held in communities throughout the country.
• Make-A-Wish Fundraising Mobile App A mobile application for iOS and Android that enables users to fundraise for Make-A-Wish. The app integrates with Apple Health, Android Health Connect, Garmin, Strava, and Fitbit to credit users with activity rewards based on workouts, steps, and distance.
• Online Donations Platform Website-based donation system accepting one-time and recurring gifts via credit card and PayPal, with the option to designate donations to national Make-A-Wish or a specific local chapter.
• Wishmakers On Campus A fundraising program for college students to volunteer and raise funds for Make-A-Wish wish granting through campus events and initiatives.
• Kids For Wish Kids A youth fundraising program that enables children to organize and run fundraisers benefiting Make-A-Wish wish granting.
• Wishmakers at Work A workplace giving program enabling employees to fundraise and donate to Make-A-Wish through employer-supported campaigns.
• Holiday Cards Make-A-Wish branded holiday greeting cards available for purchase, with proceeds supporting wish granting.
• eBay Auction Program A program allowing supporters to list and auction items through eBay, with proceeds from each sale benefiting Make-A-Wish.
• Car Donation Program Partnerships with ARS Car Donation Services, Wheels for Wishes, and Charitable Auto Resources enabling vehicle donations with proceeds benefiting local Make-A-Wish chapters.
• Airline Miles Donation Program Program accepting donated frequent flyer miles to support wish travel, operated through partnerships with Southwest Airlines, United Airlines, and other carriers.
• Hotel Points Donation Program Program accepting hotel loyalty points and donated hotel rooms to provide wish travel accommodations.

Quantifiable outcome

• 99% of doctors say wishes help relieve a family from traumatic stress
• +2 more outcomes

Named customers2 records

Segments5 records

Ideal customer profiles5 records

Technology focussed No

API detail

Has API

No

API docs

API detail

Core technology

AI maturity

App detail

Integration8 records

Partnerships

23 partnerships are on record, tiered core, flagship and minor.

• Walt Disney CompanycoreStrategic or Co-development PartnerDisney is involved in approximately half of all wishes granted, making it the most significant wish destination partner. Wishes include trips to Disney parks and meeting Disney characters.
• ESPNcoreStrategic or Co-development PartnerESPN produces the 'My Wish' series on SportsCenter, showcasing in-depth journeys of wish kids meeting sports heroes. Major partnership for visibility and awareness.
• ChaseflagshipGTM or Marketing PartnerNational Corporate Partner providing $1.5 million in Ultimate Rewards points and $500,000 cash donation to fuel travel wishes. Over $9.2M donated to date.
• FanaticsflagshipGTM or Marketing PartnerOfficial Sports Partner donating $10M over three years to support sports-related wishes. Major corporate sponsorship.
• Royal Caribbean InternationalcoreGTM or Marketing PartnerWishes at Sea program offering free cruises to wish kids and fundraising opportunities across all ships.
• Southwest AirlinescoreGTM or Marketing PartnerPoints for a Purpose program allows Rapid Rewards members to donate points to Make-A-Wish for travel wishes.
• United AirlinescoreGTM or Marketing PartnerMileagePlus members can donate unused airline miles to help wishes take flight.
• Allegiant AirlinesminorGTM or Marketing PartnerDonates $1 from every Wingz Kid Snack Pack sold in-flight to support wishes.
• AvisminorGTM or Marketing PartnerUp to 30% off base rates and 5% of rental donation to Make-A-Wish when booking through avis.com/wish.
• Dave & Buster'sminorGTM or Marketing PartnerDonates $1 from every Strawberry Shortcake purchase and hosts Charity Benefits silent auctions.
• TopgolfminorGTM or Marketing PartnerDonates $1 from each Topgolf Donut Hole-In-Ones dessert item with a minimum guarantee of $250,000 per year.
• IT'SUGARminorGTM or Marketing PartnerSells Wish-themed products (Wish Pop lollipop, Wish Gummy Bears, Make-A-Wish Chocolate Bar) with 20% of sales donated.
• BuzzRxminorGTM or Marketing PartnerDonates $1 when a consumer saves using their Make-A-Wish branded Prescription Discount Card.
• Breyer HorsesminorGTM or Marketing Partner2024 Hope Horse models collection benefits Make-A-Wish.
• Blackhawk Network (Giving Good Cards)minorGTM or Marketing PartnerMake-A-Wish branded Giving Good Cards with 3% of net value donated.
• Shoe CarnivalminorGTM or Marketing PartnerRound-up program at registers from January 1 through February 28, 2026 to benefit Make-A-Wish.
• SugarwishminorGTM or Marketing PartnerGift recipients can donate to Make-A-Wish; Make-A-Wish receives 10% of value loaded into new corporate accounts.
• RailbookersminorGTM or Marketing PartnerCollects customer donations at booking and matches each dollar-for-dollar.
• SnappyminorGTM or Marketing PartnerGift recipients can elect to donate the value of their Snappy gift to Make-A-Wish.
• Maggiano's Little ItalyminorGTM or Marketing PartnerOnline orders can include a donation to Make-A-Wish.
• ARS Car Donation ServicescoreChannel Partner/ Reseller/ DistributorVehicle donation partner handling pickup, repair, and resale with proceeds benefiting local Make-A-Wish chapters including Alaska & Washington.
• Wheels for WishescoreChannel Partner/ Reseller/ DistributorCar Donation Foundation program allowing vehicle donations benefiting local chapters.
• Charitable Auto Resources (CARS)minorChannel Partner/ Reseller/ DistributorVehicle donation partner for select chapters.

Scale indicators11 records

Recent moves6 records

Expansion highlights5 records

Direct peers

• Starlight Children's Foundation: Starlight Children's Foundation delivers programs (including wish-like experiences, gaming, hospital wear, and toy deliveries) to seriously ill children and their families across the U.S. It is the closest direct peer to Make-A-Wish in mission focus on pediatric critical illness, although operating through hospital-distributed programs rather than a single wish event.
• Kids Wish Network: Kids Wish Network is a direct competitor that grants wishes to children with life-threatening illnesses, relying on donations and corporate partnerships much like Make-A-Wish. It represents the most product-for-product overlap in the wish-granting category.
• Sunshine Foundation: Sunshine Foundation grants wishes to children with chronic or life-threatening conditions, sharing Make-A-Wish's core activity of dream fulfillment for seriously ill kids, primarily for those with special needs and rare conditions.
• Special Wish Foundation: Special Wish Foundation is a regional Ohio-based wish-granting charity for children with critical illnesses, operating a direct-comparable model but at a smaller geographic scale than Make-A-Wish.
• Dream Foundation: Dream Foundation grants wishes to adults with life-limiting illnesses, applying the same dream-fulfillment service model as Make-A-Wish but targeting a different age segment and not pediatric.

Broad incumbents

• Ronald McDonald House Charities: Ronald McDonald House Charities supports families of seriously ill children through housing and programs near hospitals, overlapping with Make-A-Wish's family-of-critically-ill-children focus but delivering care services rather than wishes.
• Children's Miracle Network Hospitals: Children's Miracle Network Hospitals raises funds for pediatric hospitals across North America, sharing Make-A-Wish's donation-driven, pediatric-illness donor audience while directing funds to treatment infrastructure rather than wish experiences.
• St. Jude Children's Research Hospital: St. Jude Children's Research Hospital is a major donation-funded pediatric health organization treating catastrophic childhood diseases and absorbing treatment costs, addressing the same population as Make-A-Wish but through medical care delivery.

Emerging players

• Alex's Lemonade Stand Foundation: Alex's Lemonade Stand Foundation funds pediatric cancer research and family support, sharing Make-A-Wish's child-critical-illness donor base but focused narrowly on oncology research funding.

Regional players

• Wishes & More: Wishes & More is a Minnesota-based wish-granting organization serving children with life-threatening or chronic illnesses, comparable to Make-A-Wish Alaska & Washington in mission but operating in a different regional footprint.

Market position

Strengths4 records

Weaknesses5 records

Competitive moat5 records

Key risks1 record

Key highlights6 records

Customer concentration

• YouTubeyoutube.com/user/MakeAWishFoundation
• Facebookfacebook.com/makeawishakwa
• Instagraminstagram.com/makeawishamerica

Compliance3 records

Revenue estimate

Valuation estimate

Number of profiles

Subsidiaries3 records

Funding overview

Funding rounds

Investors

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M&A

Investments

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Frequently asked questions about a - wish foundation of alaska & washington